Thoughtcrime was not a thing that could be concealed forever. You might dodge successfully for a while, even for years, but sooner or later they were bound to get you.

George Orwell – 1984

Political correctness (PC) is a term that became popular in the 90s. The term is typically used by right-wing ideologues as a pejorative of left-wing ideology. It featured heavily in Mr. Trump’s rise in power as he accused Clinton and the media of it on a regular basis.

What is political correctness? Merriam-Webster defines it as “conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated.” To put it another way, political correctness is the belief that we should not do or say anything that could offend others.

The practice is most prevalent on the left and examples are easily found especially when you look at the cultural wars raging on college campuses. While not as obvious, conservatives practice political correctness. For example, if you go to a far right page or group on Facebook and use the term “undocumented aliens” (the actual term used in immigration law), you will either be reminded that the correct term is something that uses the word “illegal” or accused of being politically correct.

While those that practice political correctness will claim that it is necessary to show the proper respect or to call it for what it is, the true purpose of it is not respect. Rather, it is to create conformity. political correctness, whether practiced by the left or right, forces people to be mindful of their words and to only speak views with which it deemed acceptable. Basically, it forces people to only have thoughts that others allow them to have.

Political correctness forces people to only think thoughts that conform to the preferred political agenda. Rather than the state being the enforcer of thoughts as it was in Orwell’s 1984, it is society. Saying the wrong thing can result in a person becoming a pariah in their own family and even lose their job.

The practice is one of authoritarianism as its goal is to control your thinking. We need to reject political correctness in all of its forms. This does not mean that you are not expected to be respectful of others. Nor does it give you a license to be an asshole in the way that our Dear Leader has been. It just means that you need to stop allowing political extremists from forcing you to say and think what they want you to say and think.

4 thoughts on “Political correctness: tool of conformity”

I am rarely PC………I grew up in a time where “children were seen and not heard” yet was constantly punished for speaking my mind. For some reason I never stopped. Being PC, it seems to me, is denying one’s true feelings for the perceived benefit of others. In my mind, people need to get a handle on their emotions if words hurt their feelings that badly.

Interesting post. PC culture is dangerous. College campuses should be a place of growth, not a day care where everyone wins. Check out my Political Vibes https://political-vibes.com/ I would greatly appreciate a follow if you’re interested and I would love to respond to comments